Detroit Tigers' top prospect Alex Faedo makes pro debut

Tigers pitcher Alex Faedo took the mound for the first time facing major league hitters during spring training on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018, at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla.(Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press)

The Tigers’ right-handed pitching prospect, selected with the No. 18 pick in last year’s MLB Draft, began his season on Friday evening with Class A Lakeland.

Faedo was solid against the Tampa Yankees, allowing two runs on two hits in five innings. He struck out four batters and walked none. Faedo struggled in the first inning — allowing two home runs — but buckled down from there: He did not allow a base runner after the first inning, retiring the last 13 men.

For Faedo, it represented the next step in what the Tigers hope is a fulfilling professional career. The team shut him down last season after his Florida Gators won the College World Series, hoping to avoid wear on his arm.

Free Press sports writers Anthony Fenech and George Sipple give their thoughts on the first few games of the Detroti Tigers' 2018 season from Comerica Park.

As a junior, he posted a 2.26 ERA with 157 strikeouts in 123 2/3 innings and was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player. This spring, he pitched well in big-league camp and is considered one of the top pitching prospects in the organization.

He is ranked the No. 2 prospect in the Tigers’ system, according to Baseball America, and No. 50 across all of baseball.

Faedo, 22, throws with a funky delivery that reminds some of former Tiger Max Scherzer. The scouting community is split on his potential but nearly all agree that his future as a tall, big-bodied righty is in the starting rotation. Faedo is not on a strict innings count this season; it is likely the Tigers will try to push him near 150, given full health. If he performs well, there is a decent chance he could finish the season at Double-A Erie, which would put him on the fast track to Detroit.